Outdoor Activities Deliver $646B, 6.1 Million Jobs

The Outdoor Recreation Economy, a new report from the Outdoor Industry Association, shows more than 140 million Americans engage in outdoors activities each year with a significant economic impact on the nation’s economy.

According to the report, those people participating in outdoor activities directly deliver $646 billion to the economy and support 6.1 million domestic jobs.

“While the money that’s spent on gear and equipment is certainly significant, the real economic impact occurs when people get outside and use the equipment that they’ve bought,” said Jim Klug, American Fly Fishing Trade Association Chairman and Co-Owner of Yellow Dog Fly Fishing Adventures during an interview on National Public Radio’s broadcast of Marketplace Morning Report.

The study notes that for every dollar spent on gear and vehicles, an estimated $4 is spent on trips and travel. That spending directly supports professions like guides, outfitters, lodges and many more small business owners.

AFFTA is part of a business-led coalition championing a national outdoor recreation system and recreation infrastructure. The study shows the outdoor industry can continue to produce jobs and significant economic activity if our nation’s land and water is managed as a system designed to sustain this economic engine.